Hesperia men arrested and others cited after illegal fireworks call

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities arrested two Hesperia men after they responded to investigate a report of illegal fireworks Saturday night, officials said.

On June 30, 2018, at approximately 11:00 p.m., deputies from the Hesperia Station responded to the 15000 block of Farmington Street reference fireworks being burned in the street by 8 to 10 subjects.

Deputies arrived on scene and contacted Timothy Coffey, 33, and Justin Henry, 40, both Hesperia residents inside a garage with a group of other guests, who were gathered for an early 4th of July celebration.

“During the investigation, deputies located a live chemical improvised explosive device and explosive device debris on the street. The Sheriff’s Department Arson Bomb Division responded and neutralized the live chemical improvised explosive device and processed the scene,” stated a sheriff’s news release.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for Coffey and Henry’s residence and subsequently arrested Coffey for possession of a destructive device on a public street, possession of a substance with intent to make a destructive device and possession of an assault weapon. Henry was arrested for being an accessory after the fact.

Several other guests who were attending the early 4th of July party celebration were also cited by San Bernardino County Fire Investigators for illegal possession of fireworks.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500.